A Good Country Wife-Chapter 596 - 590_1

The fruit trees aroused the interest of Lin Yue’s wife, so Zhao Erhu naturally acquired them. There was no need for his wife to check them out personally; Zhao Erhu would rather spend more silver. Moreover, after this incident, it became even harder for the fruit merchant to sell the saplings. With a little thought and maneuvering, Zhao Erhu could buy the whole lot. Zhao Erhu was not the kind of merchant who relished exploiting others strictly for profit, but since the fruit merchant had harbored ill intentions first, there was no need for courtesy.

Zhao Erhu was also very efficient in his work. By the next day, he had purchased and brought back all the fruit tree saplings from the merchant, which were more than Lin Yue had imagined. Lin Yue reviewed them and discovered not only lemon trees but also orange and pomelo trees, haphazardly mixed together, which left her speechless yet also pleasantly surprised. In the fruit merchant’s eyes, it was a loss-making deal, but she had gained several kinds of saplings her family did not have. She thought that the merchant must have transported the trees from afar because they were stronger than the local ones. There were even grapevine saplings and some others that she didn’t recognize; the quantity was not large, and only after bearing fruit could she know what they were. After all, Lin Yue was not a fruit farmer. She knew some, but could not fully identify them.

However, this purchase turned out to be a real bargain. Zhao Erhu acquired them almost at cost from the merchant, and some of the trees were clearly mature enough to bear fruit, indicating they were several years old, yet they were also mixed in. Lin Yue figured that perhaps the planter did not recognize these saplings and, finding the fruit sour after it fruited, thought them useless. It seemed a pity to discard them, so they ended up mixed in, to her advantage.

"How is it, do you recognize these fruit trees?" Zhao Erhu saw the increasingly radiant smile on his little wife’s face and knew the trees must be good. He asked, smiling.

"Mm, I recognize most of them," Lin Yue replied, "But I’m not sure about a few. I’ll only know once the fruit sets. You should plant these separately." With the rich variety of modern fruits, Lin Yue was confident that she would be able to identify them once she saw the fruit, but it was indeed challenging with the saplings. After all, everyone recognizes fruit; even if they have not tasted it, they have seen it, but the same can’t be said for saplings.

"Okay, then. You tell me which ones you know, and I’ll arrange for people to plant all these fruit tree saplings. Even though their roots and stems have been pretty well preserved, they have been transported from afar and have been out of the soil for too long, which might not be good. It’s better to plant them sooner rather than later." Zhao Erhu had some experience tending to crops, and Lin Yue thought the same. They immediately arranged everything together and planted all the fruit trees.

Once they finished with this batch of work, Lin Yue felt she needed to talk with Zhao Erhu about the affairs of Lin Genfa’s three children, knowing that Zhao Erhu would not object to her arrangements but still feeling the need to keep him informed.

Lin Yue was indeed concerned about the matter, having been entrusted by Zhao Yunxiang. Besides, Lin Youyin and Xiangxiang were always sensible, lovable, and heartwarming children. Even Lin Youjin, who used to be domineering, had changed, becoming more obedient. It went to show that upbringing was crucial—the child was not bad at heart, but being the eldest grandson, he had been spoiled by Zhao Yunxiang. Lin Yue thought it was her responsibility to provide good upbringing now that she had taken them in.

Given Zhao Erhu’s affection for Zhao Yunxiang, her being alive had held little issue, but due to her prior actions, Zhao Erhu had always felt uneasy inside, and their bond had already weakened. It was only when Zhao Yunxiang fell ill that they began to reconnect. Now that Zhao Yunxiang had passed away, no one would hold her past deeds against her. Moreover, it rekindled the familial affection in Zhao Erhu’s heart, ensuring that he would take extra care of Lin Genfa and his children.

If it meant that someday the children got into trouble due to poor upbringing and they had to seek help from Zhao Erhu, it would be better to raise them well now, to earn a good reputation. Zhao Erhu would be grateful, and the children would have extra support. After all, ’A single tree does not make a forest,’ even though Dalang and his brothers are already four, they would not mind an extra hand to help. Moreover, Lin Genfa is a good example; if the children could have his character, that would be ideal.

"These days have been busy, which is why I haven’t had the chance to discuss the matter of Youjin, Youyin, and Xiangxiang with you. Plus, our elder sister had just passed away. The children were grieving, and I had to consider their feelings. They needed time to heal, so I only bring it up now."

"Oh, I visited them the other day. The three children are all doing well. Do you have any thoughts?" Zhao Erhu trusted his wife’s character and naturally had no negative suspicions. He merely wondered if his wife had any plans for the children.

"I do have some thoughts and arrangements, but I need to discuss them with you first. I know that before our elder sister passed away, she entrusted you with the care of the children. Although there is still a brother-in-law, his nature is to immerse himself in work and not to consider everything fully when it comes to the children. Since you promised our elder sister, you must honor your word and raise the children well, so she may rest in peace."

Hearing Lin Yue speak this way, Zhao Erhu knew how intelligent his wife was. She must have guessed the instructions given by his elder sister before her demise. Erhu had always felt guilty towards Lin Yue since Zhao Yunxiang had been involved in that incident, and even though Zhao Yunxiang had passed away and he no longer held on to the past, his remorse toward his younger wife had not diminished. Especially since he had agreed to his elder sister’s wish without discussing it with his wife. Even if he believed that agreeing was the right thing to do, he couldn’t justify it boldly in front of his wife.

"Wife, you know everything. Of course, with your intelligence, you must have guessed." Zhao Erhu said with a sheepish smile, wanting to explain, but under his wife’s clear and moist eyes, he felt that whatever he said would be insincere. It would be better to say nothing and just show her more affection in the future.

Lin Yue glanced reproachfully at Zhao Erhu, "Do you think I’m foolish? How could I not understand our elder sister’s personality? What she was most concerned about were brother-in-law and the children. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have struggled to hold on, insisting on waiting for your return before she passed away. It was all to entrust you with her concerns. Although elder sister might have made some mistakes in the past, the love she had for her husband and her motherly affection are moving and pitiable. Even if she wasn’t your elder sister, we should still look after the children a bit more. Besides, I know you appreciate her in your heart. She went so far for her husband and children, and naturally, I consider your feelings too. I don’t want you to live with guilt and worry."

Lin Yue’s words were skillfully crafted, highlighting Zhao Yunxiang’s intentions, and advising Zhao Erhu not to be foolishly moved, believing that Zhao Yunxiang had endured for the sake of sibling affection until his return. Her subsequent words made it clear that her heart was open, without any intention to provoke or hold a grudge, simply touched by Zhao Yunxiang’s actions, and at the same time, she expressed her own feelings.